Telephonic Interviews
Telephonic interviews are often conducted by employer in the initial round of hiring process, in this employer may ask about the candidates experience, qualification, salary expectation. The telephonic interview saves the employers time and eliminates the candidates that are unlikely to meet the companies expectation.
Why Do Employers Use Telephone Interviews
Employers usually use telephone interviews when they receive a lot of applications or are recruiting for a lot of positions. It’s a way of contracting down the candidates into a number that it is possible for them to interview face-to-face. If the employer is recruiting nationally phone interviews can also be a way for them to save on travel expenses.
Here We Look More Closely at How Phone Interviews Work, And How You Can Best Prepare For Them.
- Appointment or on the spot
Some employers contact you first to arrange a time to interview you, which gives you plenty of time to prepare. But beware, some employers prefer the element of surprise! This means they can call you out and ask if it’s convenient to conduct the interview there and then.
- Using notes
One advantage of phone interviews is you can use notes – make sure you take advantage of this. Have a copy of your CV in front of you, so you don’t forget any important things. Prepare as you would for a face-to-face interview, writing down answers to all the general interview questions, plus others specific to the job.
Prons and Cons
- Telephonic interview reduce candidates traveling cost and time and employer’s time as well.
- Candidate have the comfort of familiar surroundings as there is no face to face interaction
- Candidate have prepared notes, a resume, and your cover letter in front of you to reference at any time
- You do not have to travel to the interview.
- You cannot see or respond to interviewer’s non-verbal cues, which are often important in interpreting how to respond properly.
- You have to sell yourself using only words and the tone of your voice
Before Interview
- Make sure other members of your household are aware that you might receive a call from an employer
- Leave a notepad or phone message form and a pen or pencil near the phone so that anyone who takes a call can record the employer’s name, title, organization name, telephone number and other pertinent information.
- Make appropriate arrangements before the interview to ensure you will not be disturbed. It is important to have privacy and minimal distractions.
- Having easy access to the company and job information will allow you to confidently respond to questions without fumbling regarding which job you are talking about. So have a copy of both the job description and a copy of the resume or application you submitted in front of you before the interview starts
During Interview
- Answer the phone professionally address your interviewer as Miss, Mrs or Mr unless invited to use his or her first name
- Do not drink, smoke, chew gum, or eat during a telephone interview.
- Speak slowly and clearly
- Smile and be pleasant A smiling response can usually be sensed over the phone
- Take notes Any notes that you make during the phone interview will be invaluable to you in preparing for the face-to-face meeting
Ending the Call
- If you don’t already have it, be sure to ask for the interviewer’s exact title and name spelling, along with their email or mailing address, so that you can send a thank-you note.
- If the interviewer has not asked you about your schedule or availability, it is a good idea to ask, what the next step would be in the process. This will allow the interviewer to re-establish control of the interview with this question.
- Thank the interviewer. Regardless of how well the interview went, express your appreciation for the time he spent talking with you and considering you for the position
- Confirm the details of your next meeting. If the employer asks you to come in for a face-to-face interview, close your phone conversation by confirming the details of your meeting. Verify the date, time and place of the interview and ask the employer if she needs you to bring additional information or materials such as work samples or a portfolio